Studies in Mass Spectrometry V. [1]: Fragmentation ofN-Substituted Morphinans Under Electron Impact

A note on the chemical change of pentazocine in aqueous acidic media

Pentazocine decomposes in the acidic conditions used to hydrolyse glucuronides. The structure of the decomposition product was identified as 2′-hydroxy-2-(3-methyl-3-hydroxy-butyl)-5,9-dimethyl-6,7-benzomorphan. Pentazocine is stable when incubated at 37°, pH 5.0, and can be stored in biological fluids without drug loss.